Murray Goodwin scripted a rescue act as Western Australia reached 277 in their first innings against Victoria. WA were 63 without loss in their second innings and had a commanding 188-run lead at the end of the second day at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.

Goodwin (130) shared some crucial partnerships with the lower-order batsmen as Beau Casson (31), Brett Dorey (17) and Steve Magoffin (16) all contributed. The WA bowlers then got stuck in as Ben Edmondson snapped up three wickets in four balls and had Victoria reeling at 4 for 23.

Matthew Elliott and Cameron White then revived them with a 90-run stand for the fifth wicket. But both were out in the space of three overs and the lower order crumbled without a fight. Worse was to come as Shane Harwood, the Victorian fast bowler, suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone late in the day. Harwood was struck by Cade Harvey as he tried to evade a bouncer.

Western Australia replied with 63 for no loss in their second innings, with Chris Rogers and Michael Hussey racing along.